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FBI begin investigation into Korean karaoke hostess 'Doumi' agencies in America

Posted by Pakman31 pts Tuesday, October 7, 2014
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The Korean karaoke hostess business has long been a problem in South Korea and it has now crossed over to the K-Towns of America, particularly in Los Angeles, California.


SEE ALSO: Arson suspect dies after setting fire to apartment building following noise complaints


In Korea, some karaoke places offer to call these karaoke hostess agencies to order a number of "doumi girls," "helpers," or "hostesses," for their clients. These hostesses offer company and sometimes sexual services to karaoke goers. 


The Korean karaoke hostess business crossed over to America around 7-8 years ago, and has increased in its number of female employees ever since 2008 when agencies began accepting immigrant workers who don't carry visas. Currently, the karaoke hostess business is becoming even more popular as even non-Korean women are enlisting for the easy cash. While clients usually pay $120 USD for 2 hours, the women are able to keep $80 USD along with tip.


The American Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is now investigating into these karaoke hostess agencies concentrated in the Los Angeles K-Town area as they had noticed their growth over the past few years. There are currently over 40 karaoke hostess services in the LA K-Town area alone. As one agency usually manages 30-40 women, it is believed that there are thousands of karaoke hostesses working in K-Town.


K-Town police chief Tina Nieto states that the growth of these agencies is concerning as it results in more major criminal activity, such as prostitution and drug dealing.  Tina Nieto stated, "Before the doumi girls were in mom and pop-type of operations [small scale], but because there's so much money in it, criminals are ringing these girls in, anytime you have any type of illegal activity and there's a lot of money involved you're going to attract the organized crime so that becomes a big problem [sic]."


Back in August, 17 Korean karaoke hostesses were arrested for their involvement in prostitution and drug dealing. They were found in an Irvine apartment located in Orange County, openly conducting a sex trafficking business. Residents in the area were alarmed to find that such a business was being held near their own homes.

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